Swiss-born racer Louis Chevrolet drove for Fiat and Buick before starting his eponymous manufacturing plant. He left the partnership with Durant within a few years to build race cars. A bust of Chevrolet greets museum visitors at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Swiss-born racer Louis Chevrolet drove for Fiat and Buick before starting his eponymous manufacturing plant. He left the partnership with Durant within a few years to build race cars. A bust of Chevrolet greets museum visitors at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. (General Motors)

The Bel Air started as a hardtop style in the 1950 Chevrolet Deluxe, but became a full-fledged model with convertible, hardtop and sedan options in 1953. Tailfin styling and V-8 options made late-1950s and early-'60s models iconic on the street and the dragstrip. Full-size Bel Air models were...

The Bel Air started as a hardtop style in the 1950 Chevrolet Deluxe, but became a full-fledged model with convertible, hardtop and sedan options in 1953. Tailfin styling and V-8 options made late-1950s and early-'60s models iconic on the street and the dragstrip. Full-size Bel Air models were... (General Motors)

Chevrolet celebrated its 100th birthday on Nov. 3. Since its inception Chevrolet has been known for offering technology and features typically found only in more expensive cars. Get the full story: A century of Chevy Classic Chevy cars for sale | Chevrolet cars for sale